Newz Forum: BOXING: Byrd to fight McCline next?

NEW YORK (AP) - IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd is no longer having trouble finding opponents. Promoter Don King wants Byrd to do a rematch of his draw Saturday night with Andrew Golota, and the IBF wants him to fight Jameel McCline.

McCline's promoter said Wednesday that the IBF has elevated McCline to its "leading available'' contender position and that Byrd must fight him on or before June 20 or risk losing his title.

Promoter Cedric Kushner said he would try to begin negotiations with King for a fight between McCline and Byrd.

Byrd's fight with Golota was only his second title defence in 16 months. Byrd attributed that to fighters being unwilling to get in the ring with him because of his crafty style.

McCline is coming off a first-round TKO over Wayne Llewelyan last Thursday in New York.